Hello everyone! Well, Spring is arriving in North Texas and that means it's time for our local ren-fest, Scarborough Faire. This year my family will be working as participants rather than visiting as patrons, and so I decided that instead of my usual garb of doublet and tights I would wear the kilt. Naturally a great kilt is in order, but my wife is not at all fond of tartans.

So, my first question is this: How likely is it that the belted plaid was worn in a solid color, or even in an undyed state? Reason tells me that since tartans were sometimes chosen based on their appeal to the wearer, it is entirely possible that an individual might choose to wear a solid color and not a pattern. However, reason can sometimes be a slippery thing and while my supposition may make sense logically, the historical record may not bear it out.

My second question is: What is a good fabric weight, solid or tartan, to use for making the great kilt? I would prefer to make it from wool, but price and availability may require that I go with a wool blend or even acrylic.

Thanks very much!
~Ken